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144
DURGESA NANDINI.
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"No; it was against my advice," replied Osman.

The Prince paused for a long while. Taking the opportunity, Osman said to Diggaja,

"You may go now."

Diggaja rose and was about to go away, when the Prince prevented him by catching hold of his hand.

"One word more," said he. "Where is Bimala?"

The Brahmin heaved a sigh; he also cried a little.

"Bimala is now the concubine of the Nabab," said he.

The Prince cast at Osman a glance like the lightning. "Is this also true?" asked he.

"What have you to do here any more?" said Osman to the person, without replying to the Prince. "Go away."

The Prince grasped his hand firmly; so that the Brahmin could not choose but stay.

"Wait a moment longer," said he. "One word more and I have done." Here his red eyes began to flash with living flame. "One word more; Tilottama?"

"Tilottama," replied the Brahmin, "also is now the Nabab's concubine. They are living in peace in the midst of every comfort."

The Prince violently pushed away the Brahmin's hand; the man luckily escaped going head over heels.

Osman was ashamed; he said in a soft tone,

"I am an officer merely."

"You are the Devil's officer," replied the Prince.